Fusioni & Acquisizioni

✈ Lufthansa will take over Ita Airways in January, with an initial 41% stake valued at €325 million, potentially reaching 90% by end of 2025. The European Commission approved the deal. Next steps include a shareholders' meeting, capital increase, and the appointment of a new board with two Lufthansa representatives, leading to a new president from Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance and a CEO endorsed by Lufthansa.

📍 La famiglia Hidalgo ha investito 65 milioni di euro in Air Europa per salvare la compagnia, anticipando la decisione di IAG, secondo azionista. Nel 2023, Air Europa ha registrato utili per 165 milioni di euro ma un patrimonio netto consolidato negativo di 455,3 milioni di euro e debiti superiori a 600 milioni di euro. Il salvataggio statale di 475 milioni deve essere rimborsato entro il 2026.

📆 Ávoris, a Spanish group, is downsizing by discontinuing its tour operator Joliday and transferring its activities to Travelplan. Joliday offered trips to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba, including flights and local experiences. This move is part of a reorganization strategy to streamline the brand portfolio while strengthening Travelplan.

🛫 Air France-KLM is in talks for an investment in Air Europa, controlled 80% by the Hidalgo family. The investment could be for up to 20% of the capital, mirroring the strategy used with SAS to avoid lengthy EU Commission approval times. The exact investment figure remains undisclosed but is suggested to exceed €100 million, the amount previously invested by IAG for their 20% stake. Air France-KLM confirmed ongoing commercial discussions.

🏡 Lupaia, a luxury relais with 12 rooms set in the hills of Turrita di Siena, has joined the Autentico Hotels brand as its fifth location in the region. Celebrated at the DUCO Travel Summit 2024, Lupaia garnered the Most Charming Hotel in Italy award and the Michelin Key, highlighting exceptional hospitality. Opened in 2016 by Austrians Heidi and Christopher Mueller, the hotel's rooms feature stone fireplaces, vintage washbasins, and private gardens. Mario Cardone, CEO of Autentico Hospitality, expressed pride in adding Lupaia to their 20-property collection.

🏆 Switzerland focuses on the Italian market with tourism initiatives, including an ice skating rink in Milan and a promotional event at Rinascente in Rome. Italy ranks as Switzerland's fifth-largest market, aiming to promote the winter season, which is vital for tourism. Christina Glaeser, the Director for Italy of Switzerland Tourism, highlights the successful autumn in 2024. The average Swiss visitor from Italy is 45 years old, with one-third traveling with family.

🛩 Russia admits that 34 of its 66 A320 and A321neo aircraft are grounded due to lack of spare parts amid Western sanctions following the start of the war in Ukraine. Moscovite newspaper Kommersant reported the issue, which particularly affects engines, often made by American brand Pratt & Whitney. S7, Russia's main private airline, has grounded 31 of its 39 A320 or A321neo planes, aged between three and seven years.

🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line canceled 38 sailings scheduled between November 2025 and April 2026, including already sold trips to the Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East aboard Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn. The company has not provided reasons for the cancellations or alternative trips but will send guests itinerary change information. Additional cancellations affect Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Getaway, citing fleet reorganization.

🏡 Mohari Hospitality acquires the iconic Hotel Bauer in Venice, with plans for extensive restoration to enhance its Venetian medieval manierismo architecture from the late 19th century. The investment firm, alongside European strategic partner Omnam Investment Group, expands its luxury hotel portfolio which includes the recent acquisition of a historic property in Paris and the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid. Key advisors for the acquisition were Kryalos SGR, DLA Piper, Deloitte, Eastdil Secured, CBRE, and Cushman & Wakefield.

🏠 Borgo San Felice Resort, a five-star hotel in Siena under the Allianz Group and Relais & Châteaux, reported a 16% increase in arrivals and stays in 2024 compared to the previous year. The USA remains the top market with 56% of guests, with rising numbers from Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and China. The resort's Ristorante Poggio Rosso, led by Executive Chef Juan Quintero, retains its Michelin Star awarded in 2020 and Michelin Green Star from 2022. Two Michelin Keys were also awarded for hotel excellence. The 2025 season starts on April 10, featuring a Botanic Spa with Codage treatments, exclusive UNESCO site visits, and unique experiences like the Palio di Siena.